United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Taiwan one of the freest societies in the world and praised the island’s performance in handling the COVID-19 pandemic as she visited Taiwan’s Legislature on Wednesday morning.

Pelosi, who arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday night amid strong opposition from China, met with Deputy Legislative Speaker Tsai Chi-chang (???) and addressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Pelosi’s delegation was received by Tsai as Speaker You Si-kun (???) is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Taiwan is among the freest societies in the world,” Pelosi said, praising the country for its success in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic which she called not only a health issue but also a security, economic, and governance issue.

Pelosi called for more parliamentary cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan, saying the delegation she led to Taiwan was comprised of lawmakers who were very capable and able to think about economic and security issues strategically which they could share with their Taiwanese counterparts.

The American delegation led by Pelosi includes Democratic lawmakers Gregory Meeks, Mark Takano, Suzan DelBene, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Andy Kim.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel